UAE President receives Mohammed bin Rashid

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

Oman Air confirmed that flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen (CPH), Baghdad (BGW), and Khasab (KHS) are cancelled until March 22.

Bangladesh's 13th Parliament unanimously elected veteran BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Following the BNP's recent election victory, the two leaders were sworn in by President Shahabuddin in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the new legislative journey.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent "ATTACK" warning following a serious maritime incident in the northern Gulf involving multiple commercial vessels.

Bahrain has advised residents in several areas to "remain in their homes" and "close windows" following a major blaze in Muharraq Governorate. The Ministry described the move as a "precaution against potential effects of smoke" after Al Jazeera reported an Iranian strike on local fuel storage tanks.

Speaking to ANI, Jamaat-e-Islami legislator Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman said he hoped the new parliamentary session would usher in a different style of governance and political cooperation.

According to the Indian Embassy in Beirut, the first batch of 177 Indian nationals was repatriated to New Delhi on a charter flight arranged by their employer on Wednesday. The group was seen off at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport by India's Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh.

Speaking to ANI, Nasheed said the conflict could disrupt the country's fragile economic stability. "Tourist arrivals have come down. So that is going to have a very big impact on our economy and the prosperity of the people. So, yes, it is very, very difficult," he added.

Drones struck fuel tanks in the port, Oman TV reported. No damage to merchant vessels was reported, Ambrey said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan on the need to make efforts to prevent further escalation of the Middle East crisis.